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Avengers: Doomsday co-director Joe Russo recently shed light on the unexpected decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. In a conversation with Omelete, Joe Russo stated, “That was Kevin [Feige]. Interestingly enough about that, that conversation was had a while ago.”
The head of Marvel Studios initiated the idea to bring a recognizable face to the MCU’s next pair of Avengers films. Initially, Joe and Anthony Russo—directors of Infinity War and Endgame—were skeptical of this creative direction.
“Then Robert tried to talk us into doing [the Avengers movies] and we said no. Weirdly, because we said we wouldn’t come back. We just didn’t have a story,” Russo recounted. The breakthrough came when writer Steve McFeely, a key collaborator, proposed an idea that resonated, leading Russo to declare, “That’s the story. That story has to be told; it’s a really powerful story.”
While Joe Russo kept details under wraps about Doom‘s role in Avengers: Doomsday, he emphasized a preference for villains with a hero complex. “We love villains who think they’re the heroes of their own stories,” Russo remarked. “That’s when they become three-dimensional and more interesting. With an actor like Robert Downey Jr., you must craft a well-rounded, three-dimensional character for the audience.”
Filming for Avengers: Doomsday is set to begin shortly, but don’t hold your breath for an early glimpse of Doctor Doom. Rumors suggest his potential first appearance could be in July’s Fantastic Four, though currently, the main focus is on Downey Jr.’s work on the villain’s backstory. Leaked concept art, though debunked, hinted at a narrative akin to God Emperor Doom from Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 Secret Wars comic.
Stay updated with the latest in movie news, features, and reviews sent straight to your inbox. Remember, Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters on May 1, 2026. For more information, explore our guides to upcoming Marvel movies and learn how to watch the Marvel movies in order.